The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held two Express Entry draws this week, both targeting French-speaking candidates. The two draws sent out a total of 6,100 invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency (PR).
On July 12, 2023, the IRCC conducted a French Proficiency Express Entry draw that issued 3,800 ITAs to candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 375 or higher.
Earlier in the week, on July 7, 2023, another French Proficiency Express Entry draw took place, extending 2,300 ITAs to candidates with a CRS score of 439 or higher. This was the first draw of the week targeting French Language Proficiency.
Details of Express Entry Draws This Week:
| Date | July 12 | July 7 |
| Category | French-Speaking Proficiency | French-Speaking Proficiency |
| Number of Invitations | 3,800 | 2,300 |
| CRS Score | 375 | 439 |
With 6,100 ITAs given out this week across two draws, it appears unlikely that there will be another draw this week. However, the IRCC is always full of surprises, so we’ll continue to keep an eye out for any new developments. Stay tuned to +1 News for updates.
So far this year, the IRCC has invited a total of 69,148 profiles across 22 Express Entry draws.
Latest CRS Score Distribution In The Pool
As of July 12, 2023, the CRS score range for Express Entry candidates has varied from 375 for French-Speaking Proficiency to 486 for STEM occupations to 505 in the most recent no program specified on July 11, 2023.
The decreasing CRS scores for French proficiency draws pose challenges for ‘no program specified’ candidates. Keeping a high CRS score, considering factors like language skills and work experience, is becoming more crucial for applicants, particularly under the ‘no program specified’ category, to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
The Latest Express Entry Draw:
- Express Entry Draw Program: French language proficiency
- Number of invitations issued: 3,800
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 3,800 or above
- Date and time of round: July 12, 2023, at 13:36:01 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 375
- Tie-breaking rule: June 15, 2023, at 23:49:05
Express Entry Draws in 2023
| Draw Date | Program | ITAs | CRS cut off |
| July 12 | French Language proficiency | 3800 | 375 |
| July 11 | All Programs | 800 | 505 |
| July 7 | French Language proficiency | 2300 | 439 |
| July 6 | 35 Healthcare Occupations | 1500 | 463 |
| July 5 | STEM Occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 4 | No Program Specified | 700 | 511 |
| June 28 | 35 Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| June 27 | No Program Specified | 4300 | 486 |
| June 8 | No Program Specified | 4800 | 486 |
| May 24 | No Program Specified | 4800 | 488 |
| May 10 | PNP Candidates | 589 | 691 |
| April 26 | No Program Specified | 3,500 | 483 |
| April 12 | No Program Specified | 3,500 | 486 |
| March 29 | No Program Specified | 7,000 | 481 |
| March 23 | No Program Specified | 7,000 | 484 |
| March 15 | No Program Specified | 7,000 | 490 |
| March 1 | PNP | 667 | 748 |
| Feb 15 | PNP | 699 | 791 |
| Feb 2 | FSW | 3300 | 489 |
| Feb 1 | PNP | 893 | 733 |
| Jan 18 | No Program Specified | 5,500 | 490 |
| Jan 11 | No Program Specified | 5,500 | 507 |
Express Entry Processing Time
The current processing times for the various programs of the Express Entry system are as follows:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 4 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 7 – 17 months
About Express Entry
Express Entry is an online system used by the IRCC to manage applications for permanent residency, based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score assesses factors such as work experience, industry, language skills, education, age, and more.
Candidates with high CRS Scores are most likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The Express Entry system manages three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Introduction of Category-Based Selection
Canada has introduced category-based selections within the Express Entry system. These selections aim to prioritize candidates with specific skills, training, or language abilities.
The eligible categories include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture. Applicants must demonstrate at least 6 months of work experience in a qualifying occupation within the last 3 years.
How to Apply for Express Entry
The Express Entry application process consists of two steps:
- Submitting the profile with required documents such as language test results, educational credentials, and passport or travel documentation.
- If invited to apply, submit a complete application with supporting documents like reference letters, identity documents, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results.
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